Time to plan your next adventure in South Florida? Look no further than Key West, the perfect destination for the whole family to enjoy popular attractions, fun-filled kids’ activities, and plenty of sun-soaked adventures.
No matter if you’re visiting with little ones or older kids, this tropical paradise offers something for everyone. Here are seven fun things to do with kids in Key West that will make your vacation memorable:
A tour we think you'll love
1) An Unforgettable Fishing Adventure
Get ready for an unforgettable fishing adventure with Linda D Sportfishing, where family fun meets the thrill of catching the big one. Whether it is your kids’ first time on a boat or they are seasoned anglers, fishing in the Florida Keys is a unique experience. With plenty of fish and calm waters, this outing will create lifelong memories!
With our award-winning captain at the helm and a team of “Mate of the Year” winners by your side, you can rest assured that your fishing adventure will be both fun and educational. They’ll share tips and tricks to help your kids learn the ropes of fishing while keeping the atmosphere light and enjoyable.
Grab your sunhat and sunscreen, and get ready to set sail! Book your fishing adventure today and create moments the whole family will cherish!
2) Key West’s Maritime Past
Get ready to dive into maritime tales of pirates, hidden treasures, and sunken ships. Key West has a long and exciting history, with stories passed down through generations. Explore these sites and go on an unforgettable journey.
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Key West Shipwreck Treasure Museum – Venture back to when the Key West shipwreck industry was thriving. Discover the legendary story of Isaac Allerton, one of Key West’s most valuable shipwrecks. Family friendly activities include climbing to the top of the observatory tower for stunning views or lifting a real silver bar – an interactive experience that kids will love.
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Key West Lighthouse – In the 1800s, Key West’s waters were dangerous for sailors. Built in 1848, the Key West Lighthouse guided ships away from danger. Visitors can climb the 88 steps to the top to enjoy the views.
Fun Fact: The lighthouse first used 18 whale oil lamps to light the way for passing ships, helping sailors find their way safely through the dark waters.
3) Things To Do In Key West With Kids – Explore The Island’s History
Worried that history might be boring? Not in Key West! From old forts to Hemingway’s famous cats and remarkable landmarks, there is no shortage of exciting tales to discover. Here are some highlights:
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Fort Jefferson – The adventure begins before you even arrive. Your trip to Fort Jefferson starts with a ferry ride through the sparkling waters of the Keys. While on the boat, children can enjoy refreshments and keep an eye out for sea turtles and dolphins. Once at the fort, kids of all ages will love exploring its rich history and learning about the different ways it was used throughout the years.
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Hemingway House – In the 1930s, Ernest Hemingway called Key West home, and the island became the backdrop for many of his famous writings. While visiting the Hemingway House, you will meet the charming descendants of his beloved cats. It is a fun way for kids to connect with the author and his feline friends.
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Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park – Fort Taylor played a vital role in Key West’s history, providing protection to the harbor during the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World Wars I & II, and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Today, visitors can explore the largest seacoast gun collection, and it is a great place to enjoy snorkeling or water activities in the nearby waters. It’s the perfect blend of history and outdoor fun for the entire family.
Fun Fact: Hemingway’s cats are famously polydactyl, meaning they have six toes on each paw, which gives them a unique appearance and makes them great climbers and hunters.
4) Enjoy Some Unique Tours For All Ages
One of the best ways to see everything Key West offers is to take a tour. Whether you are looking for an easy way to get around Old Town or want to mix up sightseeing with a bit of fun, these kid friendly tours are the best.
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Conch Train Tour – Hop on this color train and get ready for a trip through Old Town Key West. The 60-minute tour will showcase many popular places, including Duval Street, Mallory Square, and the Southernmost point. The expert engineer will entertain everyone with stories about pirates, famous people, and other secrets that make Key West unique.
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Old Town Trolley Tours – Where else can you get a 400-year history lesson in 90 minutes? Not only will you enjoy a fun history lesson and see the best of Key West, but you will have the opportunity to hop on and off. For example, hop off at the Southernmost point to get a family picture at the iconic buoy. Hop back on when the trolley comes around again.
Pro Tip: Children under 12 ride the Conch Train for free, so it’s a great way to enjoy a fun family outing without spending extra money on tickets.
5) Key West Kid-Friendly Beaches
A trip to Key West wouldn’t be complete without some quality time at the beach. Here are two fantastic spot the family can enjoy:
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Clarence Higgs Memorial Beach Park – This family-friendly beach features a playground, picnic tables, and a pier perfect for scenic walks. Kids will love the play area while parents relax nearby. It is an excellent spot to combine beach time with other family friendly activities.
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Smathers Beach -Thanks to calm, shallow waters, Smathers Beach is perfect for younger kids. Families can also rent kayaks or paddleboards for a bit of added adventure.
Did You Know? Both Clarence Higgs Memorial Beach Park and Smathers Beach are man-made beaches, built to give everyone a lovely place to enjoy the sun, sand, and water while making great memories with family and friends.
6) Unique Things To Do In Key West With Kids
When it comes to unique family experiences, Key West has plenty to offer. From marveling at the wonders of marine life to walking among fluttering, colorful butterflies, these one-of-a-kind attractions will fascinate kids and adults alike. Get ready to explore these unique adventures.
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Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory – From inside a glass dome habitat, visitors will walk among hundreds of butterflies, exotic birds, and two flamingos. Spend time checking out the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory educational displays to learn about the importance of butterflies.
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Key West Aquarium – The Key West Aquarium is home to over 250 species of aquatic life. From sharks and fish to sea turtles and cucumbers, there are a lot of marine animals to visit and kids activities to enjoy. The touch tank is one of the most popular exhibits. Kids can interact with conchs, crabs, sea stars, and more.
Did You Know? The names of the flamingos living at the Conservatory are Rhett and Scarlett, and they were named after the famous characters from the classic movie “Gone with the Wind,” adding a fun touch to their charming personalities.
7) Sunset Celebration – A Key West Kid Friendly Event
No trip to Key West is complete without experiencing the famous Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square. As the sun dips below the horizon, the square comes alive with street performers, food vendors, and local artisans, creating a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.
Kids will love watching acrobats, jugglers, and magicians while snacking on treats from nearby food stalls. It is the perfect way to end the day, offering a mix of entertainment, culture, and beautiful views that everyone will treasure.
Pro Tip: Arrive early to explore Duval Street. It is an ideal place for a quick bite or souvenir hunting before the festivities begin.
Your Key To Family Adventures In Key West
Key West offers a mix of sunny beaches, fascinating history, and exciting activities for the old and young alike. With us, you can explore the Keys in style!
At Linda D Sportfishing, we create fun fishing experiences for families and anglers of all skill levels. Choose from half-day, three-quarter day, or full-day charters, and our award-winning captain and friendly crew will take you to the best fishing spots.
While you fish, you might even see dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful birds! We believe every trip should be exciting and memorable, so get ready for a great day on the water. Book your fishing adventure today and enjoy the beauty of Key West!
